LEWISVILLE, Texas (SMU) - SMU golfer Austin Smotherman took low-amateur honors at the North Texas PGA Texas State Open by placing sixth at 12-under par. Smotherman carded the best final round in the field, posting a seven-under 65 at The Lakes at Castle Hills Course in Lewisville.

Smotherman shot 72-68 in the first two rounds to make the cut by three strokes. He then posted a 70-65 in the final two rounds to make a late climb up the leaderboard. In a tournament previously won by Lee Trevino, Ben Crenshaw, and Jeff Maggert, Smotherman was one of six amateurs to make the cut.

Smotherman, who made the field as an alternate, totaled seven birdies and an eagle in his final round, proof that he has gained momentum toward his appearance at the U.S. Amateur at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia, beginning Aug. 11.

"After I got the call that I was in the tournament, I was excited and wanted to make the most of it," Smotherman said. "All week I stuck to my gameplan and continued making putts. Going into the final day I knew my goal was to be low amateur and finish in the top 10. It feels great to have accomplished that and take the momentum into next week at the U.S. Amateur."

Smotherman will be joined by fellow junior Bryson Dechambeau and incoming freshman Ben Baxter at the U.S. Amateur. Recent graduate Harry Higgs also competed at the Texas State Open, tying for 26th at five-under par.

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